Message Threading/ Threads

[daniellekirkwood]

Threads is moving message replies out of the timeline in order to:

• Declutter the main feed
• Keep topics together
• Make "catching up" easier

See our MSC
We are focussing on a fast, lightweight solution to the problem.

Principles

• Users shouldn't miss messages
• Threads should help to simplify a user's experience

Design

• Figma link

Project Info

Project Board

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MVP

• Epic Web
• Epic Android
• Epic iOS

More info on the MVP

TBD.

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Fast follow Epic

More info on the Fast follow Epic

- Read receipts and read markers.
- Notifications: Reintroducing the counters and ensuring it updates cross-device.
- Thread list ordering by latest event.
- Design and content updates.
- Option to block Threads in a room

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V2 Epic

More info on the V2 Epic

This is a work in progress:
- Improving the mobile interactions: Short/long press, Bottom sheet animation on swipe, Tablet view updates, Context menu updates
- Design improvements: Room upgrades, Email communication updates, Encryption error content improvements, Following a thread even if you haven't participated
- Thread filters: Relevance filters, Scope filters

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Threads External Room

For Analytics, check out the Threads PostHog dashboard

Delivery plan

For the most up-to-date information and for delivery dates, please see this document (internal eyes only).

The TL;DR

• Once the MVP Epic is complete and the stable threads prefix is deployed on matrix.org we will have an internal testing period of 2 weeks.
• When the team has confidence in our solution, it's stability and all major issues have been resolved we will launch Threads to the stable version of the app with a Beta label.
• In order to remove the beta label we must deliver the Fast Follow epic

FAQs

Can you Thread a Thread?

No, Threads provide one extra level to the Room timeline.

Can you send a Thread message to the main timeline?

No, not yet.

Can you see all your Threads at once?

Users can see all their Threads in a room by accessing the Threads list. It’s a by Room view only. We have discussed introducing a Threads meta-space but have not yet done so.

Does the Thread Summary move when a new message is posted?

No. The Thread summary is tied to a Root messages and those do not move as the timeline is representative in time.

Can I group main timeline messages and create a Thread?

No, but this is a good idea and a consideration for future iterations of Threads.

What’s the difference between Threads and Replies?

When the user chooses to start a Thread, they’re creating a second timeline view. All messages would appear in the Thread and not the timeline. Threads have been designed to keep discussions together and remove crosstalk in the main timeline. Replies are good for a one message reply to a message. Replies are rendered in the main timeline and keep visibility high to all room participants.

Does Search work in Threads?

Yes, search works for Thread message the same way it does for other timeline messages.